Description of Lofoten Islands winter photography holiday, Norway

This Lofoten Islands photography holiday is all about capturing these magnificent Arctic landscapes during the winter months of February and March. Following on from our very popular summer photography holiday, we are now delighted to open up this spectacular archipelago during winter months to keen photographers. It really is another world.

The Lofoten Islands, off Norway’s NW coast, have a truly invigorating and inspiring natural heritage with icy fjords enveloped by white, snow covered mountains and spreading beyond all of that, the Arctic Sea. We stay in Ramberg, just above the Arctic Circle, giving plenty of opportunities for dramatic low light photography at this time of year, creating extraordinary ambience for photography. This village is also north facing, meaning that we are well located to capture the Aurora Borealis too, every photographer’s dream, a phenomenon we are experienced in photographing and therefore expert teachers in this area. If the Arctic landscapes, Aurora and tranquil snow capped villages are what you love to photograph, then this workshop will be perfect for you.

Accommodation

We stay in cabin style accommodation overlooking the Arctic Ocean. You will have your own rooms and bathrooms whether you are travelling solo or in a pair, although single cabins are allocated on a first come first served basis. Otherwise, you may need to share one with another guest of the same gender. There is a communal kitchen and lounge, all warm and comfortable during these winter months. There is also a restaurant and bar where we enjoy mealtimes together. The workshops and tutorials take place in a nearby house where our teachers are staying, with facilities and space to discuss our photography and techniques.

Hello. If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.

Responsible tourism

Environment

The Lofoten islands are a large group of islands off the North West coast of Norway. They are home to the world's largest cod and herring stocks, shoals of sperm and killer whales and extensive sea bird colonies. The waters also contain the world's biggest coldwater coral reef, discovered and protected only recently. The nature and wildlife of Lofoten is unlike any in Norway and the world.

Lofoten is currently being considered a UNESCO world heritage site. We support this move as a means to protect this environment and as a positive move towards sustainable tourism.

Our photographic tutor is a main contributor to both the old and new Lofoten Guide that highlights sound environmental practices to protect the Lofoten Islands. We bring environmental issues re Lofoten to the attention of our participants. For example:

The oil industry is lobbying heavily to get rights to use the oil resources outside of Lofoten; they argue that this will bring wealth to Lofoten. Environmentalists state that oil will damage the natural resources and fishing which the island is dependant on. There is a marked opposition to oil and gas activity from fishermen in this region.

We encourage visitors to walk/hike if possible and to observe the following environmentally sound practices.

When out in wild places keep erosion to a minimum, keep to footpaths and avoid stepping on or picking native flora.

Use water sparingly and avoid buying plastic bottles of water. Use your own metal or heavy-duty plastic bottle such as Nalgene to refill with water from a safe source as recommended. In Lofoten it is not necessary to buy water from a shop, as sources are exceptionally pure.

River water could also be drinking water, do not contaminate water supplies by washing in it. Any washing products should be phosphate free.

Minimise pollution, and carry out all litter. Lofoten has one of the lowest levels of environmental pollution in the world and we support keeping it this way.

We make our images freely available to organisations that are actively encouraging sound environmental practices

Wherever possible we work electronically, we are totally web based and our paper use is minimal.

Community

Lofoten communities rely on traditional ways of making a living. Tourism, fishing, farming and local crafts such as knitting are seen as a viable and sustainable way of living. We actively support these community initiatives in the following ways:

Our locations are spread across the islands. We stay in family run initiatives, guest houses, converted fishermans cabins etc. we are rewarded with a very personal service, quieter locations, fresher home grown produce and insight into the lives and folklore of local people. We always ensure that participants on our holidays get the opportunity to see and purchase local products.

Local food can be obtained easily in Lofoten, for example fish, lamb and dairy products. Each day we buy local produce for our picnic lunches to be eaten on location and our accommodations pride themselves in introducing us to local Lofoten fare for both breakfast and dinner.

On this trip we always take time to visit and support the local museums, art galleries and any local initiatives that may be happening in the villages that we visit. We take boat trips with local operators to support those three particular communities directly.

Fishing which has been the traditional source of income for the island communities is undergoing changes. Big trawlers are buying the fish quotas and often unloading in other countries and possibly damaging wildlife with their trawls. We support policy changes on a national level that could make coastal fishery viable again and thereby support a living fishing community.

We make our images freely available to organisations that are actively encouraging sustainable community initiatives

All of our service suppliers are informed of our responsible travel policy which is clearly visible on our website.

1 Reviews of Lofoten Islands winter photography holiday, Norway

4 out of 5 stars

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Reviewed on 06 Apr 2017 by Martyn Sharples

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The whole holiday was memorable from the stormy maritime weather to the dramatic scenery of the snow covered mountains and beaches and the cozy cabins we retreated to at the end of the day.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Have realistic expectations and be prepared. It is a winter holiday in an isolated part of the world and as such, the weather may be extreme and constantly changing, facilities may be closed and shops and cafes will have limited opening hours. The choice and availability of some types of food will be limited.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

The holiday will have generated income for some local businesses at a time of year when there were very few tourists.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

This holiday exceeded all of my expectations. The accommodation and food at the resort were excellent and the staff were friendly and efficient. I had special dietary needs that were meticulously met. The tour management and preparation for the tour was excellent. The tour leaders worked very hard for very long hours over the duration of the holiday to ensure that every opportunity to explore the islands and be in the right place at the right time was grasped. The technical support offered by the tour leaders was appropriate and practical.